AT WHAT COST ?

Suppose you could stockpile all of this world's gold, own every square inch of land, and possess everything of any material value ... but in your efforts to acquire it all, you miss the true purpose of life. 

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

You would have your wealth for but a brief time in relation to eternity. Upon death, your self-centered achievements will be meaningless. 

Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  James 4:14

Jesus had the opportunity to gain all the world by worshipping Satan but found life and victory in 'obedience' to the Father instead ... 

Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Luke 4:5-8

Obedience is a reflection of one's faith. Those who serve the Lord are the only ones who are truly content, happy, and blessed. Surrendering all to Christ does not cause us to enjoy life less ... it brings fulfillment.

Note that while self-denial does not save a person, the lack thereof displays an ego-centric mindset. When a sinner repents and receives the gift of salvation, the hands that hold tightly to this world's treasures open. Everything pertaining to life is willingly placed under Christ's Lordship.  

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? Luke 9:25

Remember these words when you are lured by this world's enticements, that moment of weakness when your soul seems an unimportant thing.